Josh grabbed Bens jacket and pulled him eye-to-eye. Ben could see even in the huts low light that his cousins face was pale. He could feel Joshs hands shaking as he held him. Skipper wagged his tail. Good thing the dog knows you, Cuz. Ben stifled a grin.

That was close just now, Ben, them soldiers I mean. We could be stuck here in the hideout! I tried to crawl out and warn you, but every time I started out, there was a picket here or there, on guard. You were lucky to get in without bein caught and carried off who knows where! They mightve put a pistol to ol Skippers noggin.

Ben pulled away and straightened his jacket. Well, they didnt get us! Ben wondered how Josh wiggled out of his chores but decided it wasnt important right then. Instead he asked, Do you think they would take us prisoner? Ben sat down on an old milking stool, the only furniture in their secret place. Reckon they have a dungeon somewheres?

Josh whispered, You mean a lockup? I dont know, but I shor dont want to take no chances.

But Josh, we aint spies, nor soldiers neither.

His cousin faced Ben. I know that, and you know that, but they dont. Honest injun, I looked close through the pine straw at them soldiers faces when they got near. They look to be young as you and me!

Ben sighed. Well, one thing I know for absolute. I saw General Zollicoffers troops down by the Cumberland River.

Josh dropped onto the stool beside Ben. You saw what?

Thats right. I saw them crossin over a long while ago, Ben said, hundreds and hundreds of em. I thought I told ya!

Josh fell silent. That means the South is getting on the move, he said slowly, leaning hard against Ben. What in tarnation were you doin way down there by the river? Dont you know were not allowed to go near them troops? Josh hissed in his ear. Besides, I know your ma dont want you near that river, after what happened last spring. Bens mind whirled, seeing again his only sister, Carrie, swept away in flash flood waters. He studied the criss-crossing pine boughs of their hut ceiling until the stinging in his eyes cleared and he could talk.

See, me and Charlied been out to gather black walnuts. I wandered purty far off without thinkin. There I was, almost in the soldiers sight, so I just hid in a thicket and perched on my tow sack of nuts, watching em cross the river all morning. It was excitinuntil my hind end commenced to hurt!

Josh snickered. Well, go on with it!

They had big guns so heavy it took two mules to haul one up the hill. I mustve counted at least twelve of em. Ben stretched his arms wide to show the size of the weapons. The soldiers were comin across all right, holdin their muskets high to keep em dry. But that was then, and this is now. Maybe the two sides are fixin to fight. Ben thought he could see his cousin frowning, or was that fear?

Thats all we need, said Josh, to be caught in a battle. He stood up. Wed better try to get out of here, rain or not!

The boys crept out of the hut and crawled along the steep ravines wall of oak trees, Skipper between them. They tried to peer back through the fog bank toward Logans Crossroads where theyd decided the Yankees were camped. It was still misting and Ben began to feel the deepening chill through his jacket. The thick blanket of fog moving around and about them seemed like something evil. Who could tell north from south, east from west in that soup? They clung to each other, Ben with one mitt on Skippers rope collar.

Can you tell where you came out of the woods? Joshs voice cracked.

Ben glanced back and forth. In a voice he hoped sounded brave he said, Shucks, Josh, I dont think I could ever get lost in these parts. But he knew it was a lie. He could barely see his hand holding onto Skipper! In his gut he felt as scared as Josh sounded.

We need to stay low, under the fog, said Josh, pulling Ben down with him.

The boys and Skipper, too, eased onto their bellies. They had set out crawling to where Ben thought the woodland trail began when a heavy blast shocked them. Ben felt the ground rumble and Josh grab hold of him. The dog let out a yelp.

Back to the hut! said Ben. Its got to be just behind us, down the ravine. He passed Josh in his hurry to get to safety, muzzling Skipper quickly with his mitt. They scrambled between the trees and squirmed through the pine boughs, landing in the hideout, breathing hard. The dog made a muted whimper, somehow knowing to be still.

That was some loud boom! Josh said, sucking air, My ma is going to whip me for bein around soldiers. Shell have my hide! Im the only man left at home, and Im not even there with His voice trailed off.

Ben felt himself tremble but tried his brave front again. Aw, everything will be okay, Charlie thinks I went to find deer tracks. Hell figure out we met up somewheres and try to

Josh grabbed Bens jacket collar. Look, Ben. Its getting plumb dark outside. Rains a-comin. In this cold, damp fog wed never make it home. Charlie wouldnt know where to look, neither.

Bens trembling turned to the shudders. Would they be found out, captured and held as spiesor worse? Calm down, he told himself, you aint even a soldier.

Joshs voice startled Bens musing. Are you listenin to me? I just said we had best spend the night here. Early in the morning we can sneak out and make for home. Our kin will be worried, but theyll be prayin. He shook his head. I never figured a battle could be this close to us!

Ben reached over to the corner. Good thing we brought these old quilts to the hut last time. At least we wont freeze. He felt inside his jacket. I still have some grub in my shirt, if it didnt smash flat when we tried to crawl out of here. The thought allowed him a grin.

Grub is grub, crumbs or whole. Josh pointed behind the stool. I spy a jar of water we left here about two weeks ago. We can have bread and water.

Yeah, thought Ben, like the prisoners we are!